Yes, it’s a silly name, but pickleball is a growing problem on the Sunshine Coast! Before COVID, hundreds of people were playing in parks, in public arenas, and in private home courts. As restrictions have eased, requests for information on how and where to play are coming to the sunnycoastpickleball.com website on a daily basis. Inexpensive and easy to learn, the pickleball game can range from a social, low-key way of moving to an intense and challenging game that requires both fitness and a high level of skill. Pickleball fans will tell you no matter how you play it – it’s always exciting and a great way to make new friends!
As Communications Director for the Sunshine Coast Pickleball Association (SCPA), I am pleased to report that our membership is growing once again and this winter we have had solid numbers for weekly indoor games at three schools on the coast. Some of our hardier (crazier) members continued to play outdoors at Hackett Park in Sechelt and Parklands in Gibsons.
Our club has organized indoor programs at Kinnikinnick, Roberts Creek and Gibsons Elementary Schools for a small fee, which will resume after spring break. Monday and Wednesday 5 to 7 p.m. in Kinnikinnick; Wednesday 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Gibsons; and Saturday 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Roberts Creek. All players are expected to adhere to school health protocols. In order to fulfill our insurance contract with the schools, all participants must be (or become) members of SCPA. (Easy and for a small fee via our website: sunnycoastpickleball.com.) Beginners are welcome and free lessons are available.
As the demand for playgrounds continues to grow, we are pleased to announce that Pickleball will resume at both Coast arenas during the Spring and Summer. On March 21, play resumed at Gibsons Arena with multiple weekly time slots (10:30am to 12:30pm Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and 12:45pm to 2:45pm Saturday). The Sunshine Coast (Sechelt) Arena opens for play in the fourth week of April with times TBA. Each arena has nine seats and play will be drop-in and subject to SCRD health protocols. Although the program is administered by the SCRD, Sunshine Coast Pickleball Club members will be on hand to help newcomers feel welcome, find the right spot, try a paddle and join a game with them.
SCPA is actively seeking opportunities for upgrades to existing outdoor courses such as Hackett Park in Sechelt and purpose built courses at various coastal locations. Our ultimate goal is a dedicated indoor facility that meets the needs of the entire coastal community, and some exciting possibilities are on the horizon.
Pickleball is a rare sport that can be enjoyed immediately after learning the basics. Adults and children have fun playing together. It’s inexpensive, portable, and totally addictive! There are plenty of challenges for the serious athlete, but the game can also be enjoyed as a very social way of staying fit. As evidence mounts that regular exercise is one of the most important lifestyle components to staying healthy, it’s gratifying that seniors on the Coast have embraced pickleball beyond any other sport. And not just seniors… as demonstrated by our successful pre-COVID teaching program at Kinnikinnick Elementary School. It was so popular that the school decided to invest in their own nets and equipment!
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